Hay Fever

Hay fever usually occurs during the spring and summer months. It is a seasonal condition that affects about 20% of the population. It is normally an allergic reaction to pollen and when you get it depends on the pollen you are allergic to.

When pollen comes into contact with the cells that line the mouth, nose, eyes and throats, it may irritate them. If you are allergic to pollen, your body thinks it is harmful and produces a special type of antibody, known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The antibody then attacks the pollen, releasing further chemicals including histamine. Together these cause the symptoms of allergic reaction.

Hay Fever Symptoms

Hay fever symptoms vary in severity and they may vary from one season to the next. Some of the symptoms include:

• An itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears,
• Runny and blocked nose,
• Frequent sneezing,
• Itchy or watery eyes,
• Sweats and headaches, and
• Loss of smell

If the pollen count is high, hay fever symptoms are likely to get worse. Plants release pollen early in the morning. As the day gets warmer, pollen is carried up into the air. Early in the evening, the pollen count is highest and those allergic to it should avoid the outdoors.

Hay Fever Treatment

The best way to control hay fever allergy is to avoid pollen. It is nearly impossible to avoid pollen. As such most treatment is based on medication. Such medication includes:

1. Nasal Sprays. These stop histamine from causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
2. Steroid nasal sprays and drops. If used a couple of weeks before symptoms begin, they are more effective than nasal sprays in preventing and relieving nasal symptoms.
3. Eye drops. These work by reducing the release of histamine from the eyes. Eye drops containing cromoglycate are most widely used and used alongside other treatments.
4. Cream. A cream that blocks pollen is still under development

If the symptoms are very severe, immunotherapy or desensitization may be an option. This involves introducing a small amount of what you are allergic to, and monitoring what you are allergic to.

Preventing Hay Fever

Since it is difficult to avoid pollen, reducing the severity of hay fever symptoms may be the best option. When the pollen count is high, one should stay indoors. One can also try the following:

• Change clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove pollen from your body,
• Keep car windows closed and buy a pollen filter for the air vents in the car,
• Keep windows and doors shut if it gets too warm,
• Avoid cutting grass, or grassy areas,
• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke near you, and
• Keep pets out of the house or wash it regularly to remove pollen from its fur

In the end hay fever is all about avoiding pollen. Carrying a nasal spray handy at all times will reduce the effect of any symptoms allowing you to live a normal life.

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